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Aubrey hadn't left the house in seven days.
Not for a haircut. Not for the studio. Not even for air.
He paced the hallways like a man on house arrest, tethered to the rhythm of Aaliyah's naps and Jasmine's work schedule. Every time she left for the office, he stood in the window like some retired mob boss, arms crossed over his chest, tracking her taillights as if they might vanish into smoke. Then he'd go back inside, hover over the baby monitor, refresh the Nest Cam feed, and stare blankly out at the yard like it held answers.
Jasmine's phone would ping constantly throughout the day.
You drink water? Did you eat that protein bar I packed? When did you take your prenatals? Why are you at the desk this long? Stand up What you eat for lunch? You look tired in that picture you posted
It started sweet. Protective, even. But by Wednesday, Jasmine could barely think straight.
"Jas, this chicken is over-seasoned," he muttered one night, picking at the dinner she'd bought on the way home .
"It's rotisserie, Aubrey."
"Yeah, and it's soaked in sodium and hormones. You can't be eating this pregnant."
She blinked at him across the table. "Then you make dinner."
He didn't respond. Just stared at her plate, like it personally offended him.
By Friday morning, he had her walking laps around the backyard before work. "Fifteen minutes, not fast. Just to get the blood flowing, Jas. Come on. Baby needs circulation." He handed her a water bottle like she was training for a third-trimester triathlon.
She walked. Because it was easier than arguing. But the second she got to work and saw the text from Bianca.
"Dinner tonight @ 7, little pre-Miami vibe. Just us girls 💋"
Jasmine damn near cried from relief.
She needed out.
Needed a night where no one monitored her salt intake or told her not to cross her legs while sitting. Needed to talk about dumb things, like wigs and flights and how horrible dating was.
So she brought it up during lunch, cautiously, while Aubrey was heating up one of the premade quinoa bowls he'd picked up for her. She was working remotely for the day.
"Hey babe," she said lightly. "Bianca's doing a birthday dinner tonight. Just a few girls before they fly out tomorrow. Gia's going. I think I'm gonna go."
